Exclusive news and research on the wine, spirits and beer business

Total Wine Hits Roadblock In Minnesota

Total Wine & More has had to delay the opening of its first Minnesota store in Bloomington following the city’s decision to postpone the retailer’s license approval. According to local news reports, the Bloomington City Council has opted to further review Total Wine’s legal history, including several court cases in which Total Wine either sued a competitor or challenged state laws.

Prior to the review, Total Wine’s Bloomington location was slated to open onDecember 5. The City Council, however, has decided to put off a vote on Total Wine’s liquor license until December 16. Total Wine didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Total Wine announced its intentions to enter Minnesota earlier this year, detailing plans to open between five to eight stores in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The stores will mark the retailer’s first move into the Midwest, bringing its total footprint to around 100 stores in 16 states.